BTEC & Business Administration Level 2 & 3

A Combined (Competence and Knowledge) qualification is a work-based qualification that combines competence and technical knowledge to give learners the practical competencies, technical skills and sector-related knowledge they need to be able to carry out a job effectively. Combined (Competence and Knowledge) qualifications are based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the appropriate sector. NOS define what employees, or potential employees, must be able to do and know, and how well they should undertake work tasks and work roles. At Level 2 and above, these qualifications are recognised as the competence component of Apprenticeship Frameworks. Qualifications at Level 1 can be used in Traineeships, which are stepping-stones to Apprenticeship qualifications. Combined (Competence and Knowledge) qualifications can also be delivered as stand-alone for those who wish to take a work-based qualification. Combined (Competence and Knowledge) qualifications are outcome based with no fixed learning programme – allowing flexible delivery that meets the individual learner’s needs. They are suitable for those in employment and for those studying at college who have a part-time job or access to a substantial work placement so that they are able to demonstrate the competencies that are required for work. Most learners will work towards their qualification in the workplace or in settings that replicate the working environment as specified in the assessment requirements/strategy for the sector. Colleges, training centres and employers can offer these qualifications provided they have access to appropriate physical and human resources. There are three sizes of Combined (Competence and Knowledge) qualifications in the QCF: ● Award (1 to 12 credits) ● Certificate (13 to 36 credits) ● Diploma (37 credits and above). Every unit and qualification in the QCF has a credit value. The credit value of a unit specifies the number of credits awarded to a learner who has met the learning outcomes of the unit. The credit value of a unit is based on: ● one credit for those learning outcomes achievable in 10 hours of learning ● learning time – defined as the time taken by learners at the level of the unit, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard determined by the assessment criteria.